VAN DIEMEN'S LAND

Traditional?

You rambling lads of Liverpool, I'd have yez to take care,
When you go a-hunting with your dog, your gun, your snare!
Watch out for the gamekeeper, keep your dog at your command,
And think on all the hardships on the way to Van Diemen's land.

We had two Irish lads on board, Jimmy Murphy and Paddy Malone,
And they were both the truest friends that ever a man has known!
The gamekeeper he caught them, and from old England's strand,
They were seven years transported to plough Van Diemen's land.

We had on board a lady fair; Betty Johnson was her name,
And she was sent from Liverpool for playing of the Game.
The captain fell in love with her, and he married her out of hand,
And she gave us all good usage on the way to Van Diemen's Land.

As I lay in me bunk last night, a dreaming all alone,
I dreamed I was in Liverpool, way back in Marrowbone!
With my true love beside me and a jug of ale in hand.
I woke, quite broken hearted, lying in Van Diemen's land.

Sung by Ewan MacColl; I don't know if on a disk or not. This is sung to a tune similar to the second version on DT (and has a similar verse, not all of which I remember, about being sold and yoked to the plow). I think it sounds more genuine, and more moving. But then, who am I?